The Lockheed Martin Skunk Works was founded in the summer of 1943 to develop a jet-powered high-altitude interceptor for the USAAF, and ever since it has been at the forefront of technological development in the world of aviation. From the XP-80 to the U-2, SR-71, F-117, F-22 and now the F-35, the Skunk Works team has designed aircraft that are the pinnacle of innovation and performance. 75 years of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works takes us through the history of this legendary facility from its foundation at the height of World War II under the talented engineer, Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, through to the present day. Illustrated with over a thousand photographs and drawings, it details the 46 unclassified programmes developed by the Skunk Works, following them through prototype build-up, first flight and, if they reached the frontline, operational service.
Few technological advances have affected the lives and dreams of individuals and the operations of companies and governments as much as the continuing development of flight. From space exploration to package transport, from military transport to passenger helicopter use, from passenger jumbo jets to tilt-rotor commuter planes, the future of flying is still rapidly developing. The essays in this volume survey the state of progress along several fronts of this constantly evolving frontier. Five eminent authorities assess prospects for the future of rotary-wing aircraft, large passenger aircraft, commercial aviation, manned spaceflight, and defense aerospace in the post-Cold War era.
The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas, formerly Hughes) AH-64A Apache is the US Army's primary attack helicopter, and the most advanced helicopter gunship flying today. The most expensive rotary-winged aircraft ever built when it was introduced in the early 1980s, it has since proved its worth on battlefields all over the world, seeing action in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and the recent conflict in Iraq. This book examines the design, development and deployment of a quick-reacting, airborne weapons system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt, or delay enemy forces.
Whether rescuing downed crews, flying fiery combat missions during the invasion of Cambodia, or being shot down himself, Cobra pilot Jerry Boyle saw war quickly turn from a scary game of bullets, rockets, and grenades to a terrifying race against death where just a split second could turn a scene of breathtaking beauty into one of sheer hell. A true story of courage and dedication by a real American hero.
Features;* Profiles of iconic types such as the Mil MI-24 'Hind', the Mil-28 and the Kamov Ka-52 'Alligator'.* Summary of design histories and careers* Colour reference for paint schemes * Critical review of available kits* Over 180 colour and black and white illustrations, including 20 full colour side-views and a range of various 3-view line-drawings. With profiles of a host of exciting designs, accompanied by a descriptive narrative history of the various types, this volume combines practical information with reflective historical analysis, making for a visually rich volume providing modellers with all they need to know about the most exciting Russian Gunship helicopter designs and associated model kits.This edition deals primarily with the three principal attack helicopter types of the present-day Russian Army;The Mil MI-24 'Hind' otherwise known as 'the Flying Crocodile' has been produced in large numbers with many versions and variants produced. It has been supplied to a host of countries and seen considerable combat action in conflicts both in the Soviet Union and abroad. It still forms the backbone of army aviation in Russia and remains at the forefront of national exposure.The Mil-28 is a more contemporary type and is broadly the equivalent of the McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache. The Kamov Ka-52 'Alligator' NATO name 'Hokum-B' also features. This helicopter is in service with the Army and is entering service also with the Russian Navy. Well-illustrated histories and structural analyses are supplemented with detailed descriptions of the various plastic scale model kits which have been released, along with commentary concerning their accuracy and available modifications and decals. This level of detail and insight is sure to prove invaluable to a wide community of model-makers, both at home and overseas.
This book covers the P/F-51 Mustang and each of its many variants and spin-offs including the A-36 Apache, F-6 Photo Mustang, F-82 Twin Mustang and others. It discusses the Mustangs used by all US allies and friends in many foreign air forces. Also, it adds to the story of its creation through the wise choices made by the British government and its Royal Air Force, especially the transition from its original Alison V-12 to the wizard-like Rolls-Royce V-12 called the Merlin. The book will be profusely illustrated with high quality mono and colour images, many of which have not been published before, and features beautifully drawn profiles and numerous appendices. It also features numerous first-hand accounts of the Mustang in battle during World War 2, the Korean War and other conflicts. The Mustang was employed by more than 55 nations during its military lifetime and this book is a definitive work on this fabulous war horse.
Airfix has been commercially producing plastic kits since 1952 and its models have been made by successive generations of young boys and men alike. In the 1960s, a talented graphic artist called Roy Cross was commissioned to paint some of the box art for Airfix, and for a ten-year-period he provided many of the glorious paintings seen on the boxes, setting new standards for realism and accuracy. Many are still being used today, a full four decades later. Inside the pages of this book are some of Roy's best artworks, shown here in full format and in superb detail, with many reproduced here in book form for the very first time. As well as his vintage box art, Roy has included many sketches and alternative versions of his Airfix box art. After Roy left Airfix in 1974, the company went through a turbulent time. The present owners are Hornby, who have ambitious plans for Airfix and the other brands it acquired including Scalextric and Corgi. The decade that Roy Cross worked for Airfix, though, could be classed as their vintage era, with some of their finest models being produced then in their millions, ready for eager youngsters to build up into detailed miniature models of their favorite aircraft, ships and locomotives.